My old faithful Nash Wideboy is finally ready for the knackers yard after nearly 16 yrs of supporting my fat ass on the bank

Made my mind up that I want a new Solar SP C Tech but I'm undecided on a couple of points.

Is the wide version worth the difference over a standard bed, for 10cm width? My wideboy measure 90cm between the frame (anything overhanging the frame is next to useless.)

Next thing is if I go for a wide version you have to have the sleep system, my current Fox sleeping bag is perfect for what I need, big, nylon inner (rather than fleece) and fairly good at regulating temps whether it's mid summer or a freezing winter.

Is the solar sleep system a nylon inner or fleece? And what the size like on a wide version? I twist and turn a lot so need a bag that will let me thrash around

No places near me have one in stock so I can have a look and try out

In reply to Post #1
Such a personal preference when coming to choose bed chairs.

I had the wide version of the old SP C tech bedchair and sold it to buy the latest version in the standard size because I found the wide version too big and cumbersome when transporting around and setting up and it takes up that extra room when transporting. It's not fleece lined the sleep system.

I use a SIM inside sometimes for extra comfort as I found the latest version is not as firm as the older version. I suppose that's what you get with a memory foam mattress. That said, the older version was too firm, which is why I got a SIM to sleep on my side as it was just too uncomfortable and firm. Unless you're off the larger 20 stone size chap, I don't think it's necessary for a wide version in my opinion.

I got the wide version 2 weeks ago from Johnson Ross, I was hesitant because of the zip in sleeping bag but I was wrong. I went down tried it out - it had loads of room and it felt really good on the bank. A bit like a fitted sheet as you lay in it and it does not move about. Was not cheap but is worth it.

In reply to Post #1
I bought one and regret it, its to firm, like sleeping on a wooden plank, gives me back aches. Guess we are all different so just my opinion.

In reply to Post #4
Is that the latest memory foam one or the original one?

In reply to Post #1
Hi,
I bought the original version of the Solar SP C Tech wide and I found it was way to firm for me
I tried using a SIM on it but it was still not right for me kept waking up with a dead arm and a sore hip
( side sleeper).

My Nash indulgence wideboy is over 15 years old and I have replaced the elastic's around the edge and now its as good as new

In reply to Post #6
Its all personal preference at the end of the day

I had every nash indulgence for years wide and standard (look ast my posts youll see various reviews) then moved to the solar as I hated the sag on the indulgence and it did your back in if sitting on the bed for long periods (I had already tightened the elastics and channged to rope) but for me I felt the solar was another level altogether build quality comfort everything about it for me anyway

I had the wide solar and the normal version in a sleep system and standard bed (yes 3 in total as sometines kids come or the mrs uses it of we go camping) in the end I sold the wide as i just think its overkill (I felt the same about the indulgence) more faff for not much gain and the extra room doesnt make much odds and im 6"3 and 18 stone so no small lad

Ive always used a sim and still do so and a big advocate of them - likewise the ss i think is much better on the solar as its silky not fleece lined and doesnt weigh anything close to the ind MF60 that I upgraded from and the top layer is thermal lined that I generally only use in the depths as its just too warm for me anyway (again we all feel the cold different)

If I had to choose id recommend a standard solar sp c tech (older version) I dont rate the new memory foam version again more weight and its too tall in my view

also I think seperate bed and bag is a much better option as easier to chop and change and do to suit your own needs but ultimately only you will know what works for you

In reply to Post #6
I found exactly tye same with the sp c tech. Ive recently picked up a fox flatliner x sleep system. Not manged to get out since buying it, but feels really comfortable when i layed down on it in the living room.
Bit wider that the standard cp tech, but not as wide as the wide one.

Side by side the fox blows the solar out the water quality wise, from a visual point of view. Cant speak for the new solar as havent seen one in the flesh.
Im hoping its better for me sleep wise

In reply to Post #8
Thanks for all the comments.

My local AD are going to get a few beds in for me to try so hopefully I'll end up with the right one for me

In reply to Post #9
Would you mind posting up your thoughts when you do if possible?
I've had my eye on the Solar bed since the Mk1 but some of the reviews by side sleepers (as I am) means I won't buy 'blind'. Shame manufacturers don't supply try before you buy, some of the systems cost a lot of money and you don't really know if they're good for you until you've had at least 2 nights on one.

In reply to Post #10
If your a side sleeper the mk11 memory foam will be the one for you. Complete game changer for me, yes it's heavy but I now genuinely get the best nights sleep on the bank I've ever had.
The mk1 was horrendous and about near crippled me.

In reply to Post #10
No problem Vossy, I'm a side sleep most of the time as well so hopefully I'll get the feeling for at least one of the systems before I hand over my hard earned for one.

AD are getting the Solar Mk2, Fox R series and Flatliner and a Nash MF60 bed in for me to have a go on

In reply to Post #10
Nothing wrong with the Mk1 SP C Tech IMO . . . its also a sensible 80cms wide in 'standard' sizing (why they made the newer standard version 90cms I've no idea - this is/was wideboy in old money) . . . coming from a Tactical X with a SIM which is arguably stiffer I don't use a SIM on my C Tech and I side sleep in a plump Gardner Compact bag with no probs . . .

In reply to Post #10
Vossy

I have the MK 2 memory foam sleep system and I am a side sleeper. The first weekend I thought it might be a bit too firm but as it settled in its extremely comfortable. I much prefer it to my old SS4 Wideboy. The build quality is also far superior where it matters ie the frame etc. (That being said one of my feet spring loaders did go bang the weekend but i weigh 22 stone and fall on my bed so cant totally blame the bed. Still better than the nash bed where the frame snapped in half )

In reply to Post #11
I'm following this thread with interest. I'm a side sleeper and don't sleep brilliantly on the bank. Currently using the Trakker RLX Flat Bed - mainly due to its weight. Is there a better bed for a side sleeper that is still lightweight (ish)? I use a SIM which helps but am quite keen to look at a different bed.

Solar MK2 - Have had one for 2 months and lowered the legs on it to make it 300mm tall instead of 400mm and its honestly the best bed I've ever used. Sleep almost like I'm at home in it

In reply to Post #16
Hypno I sent you pm

Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated.

@ hypno, I saw you'd done that, got to say I'm thinking it, same with the highback chair.

It appears with the newer flat backed bivvies increasing the height of the bed isn't a issue but I've got a slopey V2 Air so it'd mean bringing the bed forward and there's not a lot of room as it is!

In reply to Post #18
Yeah I use the Tempest brolly 100. I don't like the 150 ones and didn't want to get a new biv as well so just altered the bed to suit. It is fairly simple to do but takes a few hours of measuring and sorting out the 6 legs. I have an engineering background though so it was like bread and butter stuff for me. It is a game changer though and 100% worth the time.

In reply to Post #16
Is that the memory foam one?

In reply to Post #4
Same here, too firm a bed being a side sleeper, hence it's now collecting dust, and waiting for somebody to take it off my hands. Shame, as it's a quality bed.

Just back from 3 nights - id normally be dead but feel fine. Slept lovely.

Im a side sleeper. Have the mk1. Absolutely no issues at all. In fact its the comfiest bed iver ever owned. Well made, solid bechair.

In reply to Post #22
Are you a side sleeper by any chance? I'm loving the feedback but I've got to be very careful re beds as I have a dodgy bursa in my right hip and if it goes I can barely walk, and if it's real bad I can't even do that. I once went to France and it played up on the 2nd day, trip ruined 😒

I loved my memory foam bed at first but unfortunately it ended up not being what I thought.It was very comfy but too heavy,the memory foam let the cold air from under the bed through.I have now got a different solar bed with a sim on.This is perfect for comfort and weight plus the sim stops any cold air

In reply to Post #24
The whole bed comfort thing is so subjective, you just can't go by others recommendations. Loads of us have back issues or hip issues but they are all different to the individual so what works for one, won't work for another. The best options are to look at the views on build quality etc but that's about it, we just need to be able to try them for longer than a 2 minute lay on one at a shop or show.

I have a right knackered back and have struggled with beds at home, bedchairs, life in general for over 20 years. I had the original C Tech and seemed to get it right for me with a SIM, but then following an op on a prolapsed disk, once I was back fishing again found the thing agony to sleep on.

Chopped and changed and ended up on an avid lite thing with a fortis sleeping bag which again worked for a while, especially side sleeping and was great to lift in and out the car so saved the back that way, but eventually my back couldn't sleep on it and I struggled to walk the morning after a night, let alone get up to a take!

I'm now using a trakker mf-hdr, it's higher than previous beds like the solar c tech which definitely helps me, the sleeping bag is superb and the shape suits me, however, the jury is out on the memory foam. Whilst it's working well for my back and I can move around after a night, I wouldn't say it's comfy, it might be that I'm fairly lightweight at 11.5 stone, but once I sink into the memory foam I feel like I'm just laid on the bed base material which is very firm and I don't have enough weight to make an impression in it. Wouldn't be comfy for a full time side sleeper but maybe if you're15 stone, you'd sink into it better??

So, that probably doesn't help anyone without the exact same knackered back as mine, but my feeling is that for me, memory foam is no more comfy than a standard padded mattress and I don't think an extra 10mm of mf on the solar version will make a blind bit of difference.

In reply to Post #25
That's interesting re the cold air coming through, it must be a vented mattress. We have 2 memory foam beds at home and my critique of one is that it doesn't breath and you can feel quite sweaty on it in summer. I must admit that was a concern I had of any bedchair with memory foam, as even standard beds can get damp between bag and mattress and that's still a concern for sims. Which bed did you go ro in the end T?

@ Churchy, I know what you mean, some of these systems are so expensive it could be a costly mistake.

In reply to Post #27
I got one second hand of Tim(forum member pinhead)it's a solar one the ch08 i think it is

1st query, possibly for you with trade links. I've seen a couple of listings now for a Mk2 Wide, "back by popular demand" bed only, no system, does anyone know if this may be the case? Most stock is showing as pre order across the board.

Edit, just had confirmation from TFT, this is for the bed only

2nd query for anyone with the standard, I know it says 90cm wide but would anyone be kind enough to measure between the bars for me please? Tia.

Edit, missed your previous reply, apologies T

When i asked solar earlier this year and they actually replied back for once, they said July for mk2 bed only without sleep system.

Anyone know which of the covers is meant to be thinner?
They both feel almost identical to each other and when packed in stuff sacks are pretty much the same size?
Presumed 1 would be slightly thinner for summer use

In reply to Post #31
Have you weighed them?

In reply to Post #32
I have not. That would be far too sensible 😂
I'll try that

In reply to Post #33
Let me know what you discover... because I had wondered the same!

In reply to Post #34
One with the fleece section is heavier, 2.1kg
Without fleece is 1.7kg... So not much in it but the lighter one maybe feels a fraction thinner?